Fans have been demanding the return of Matthew Murdock since the tragic conclusion of Marvel’s Netflix universe almost half a decade ago. Amongst the voices calling to bring this fan-favorite character back into the fold were some that had reservations. Fans want the Devil back, but not if he’s not allowed to be the character they love.
One of the most consistent complaints ofDisney’s ownership of the Marvel Cinematic Universehas been the homogeny of their efforts. Fans have argued that adaptations of their favorite comic book stories have suffered from Disney’s need to make every aspect of the universe feel similar. The death of the Marvel Netflix shows was a big boon to that argument, and recent efforts haven’t helped.
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Comic book fans routinely demand dark and gritty adaptations of their favorite stories. Maybe it’s a misguided urge to make their hobby feel more “mature”, maybe it’s a general distaste for anything upbeat or optimistic, but, either way, a vocal subset of fans demands edgy material. For example,Moon Knightrecently droppedon Disney Plus, and its lack of blood and violence seemed to rub many fans the wrong way. The Marvel Netflix universe tended to loosen the otherwise tight restrictions on adult-oriented material. Luckily, most of this was well-handled, using the higher tolerance to approach more mature themes along with the requisite blood and swearing. The most popular Marvel Netflix show was overwhelminglyDaredevil, and fans want more of Charlie Cox’s take on the character. The character is set toappear inShe-Hulk, but fans bristled at a statement made by the show’s creative crew when his participation was announced.
She-Hulk, like the comic books that inspired it, will be a legal procedural comedy along with its typical superhero material. Jen Walters isknown for fourth-wall gagsand the trailer is packed with gags about other mainstays of the franchise. With that in mind, the idea of Matt Murdock, a character associated with bloody vigilante violence, rejoining in a comedy series runs afoul of some fans. The show’s creators have made it clear that fans will be seeinga “lighter side” of the characterwho is so well-known for skulking around in the shadows. Many feel that Matt Murdock will suffer a fate that they’ve seen through many other characters. Fans of grim and gritty Marvel material won’t stand for a censored version of Matt Murdock, but has anything really changed?
Throughout three seasons ofDaredevil, oneseason ofThe Defenders, and a couple of cameos elsewhere, fans have seen a fair amount of Matt Murdock in the MCU. His personality is well-established, but very few shiny happy moments stand out. Though it might not be the thing he’s most remembered for, Matt Murdock is a funny guy. When he’s not actively fighting for his life, he’s cracking sardonic one-liners with his friends, bantering playfully with his enemies, or even joking at his own expense. He’s often portrayed as the comedic straight-man to his more oddball partner Foggy Nelson, or the relatively well-adjusted voice against Elektra, but he regularly spits out funny lines.
Matt’s sense of humor is much like every otheraspect of his personality, it’s heavily tied in with his anger, his determination, and his guilt. He throws out the typical growly one-liners when he’s in combat, like his multi-year back and forth with Turk Barret. His lighter side comes out with his friends, like in the long scenes at Josie’s Bar. There’s an extended bit in Season 2 in which Karen Page curses the fact that she missed her chance at a shutout in a game of billiards. Matt asks her how she can sleep at night. She helps guide him to the shot, then he sinks the eight-ball, losing the game. Foggy comes out complaining, so Matt clears the table in a single shot. He’s constantly playing with people’s expectations, making jokes to cut the tension with people put off by his condition, and using his own powers for physical comedy.
Outside the grim stakes of his nightlife, there’s plenty of fun to be had withNelson and Murdock, Attorneys at law. Their clients are all decent people without the means to seek higher representation, leaving most of his day-to-day work in a place of comedic bureaucracy. He helps people battling legal trouble on behalf of their rowdy dog and gets paid in produce and baked goods. His legal practice will likely have undergone an upgrade between appearances, but there’s a lot to play with when it comes to Matt Murdock’s comedic potential.
From his superhero antics to his relationship with his friends to his bizarre legal practice, there are plenty of ways to use Matt Murdock in a comedy. Fans shouldn’t balk at the idea of traditionally dark characters having a lighter side. It just serves to make them more well-rounded and let fans see a new dimension of their favorite man without fear.
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